PREFACE. THE following work, although chiefly intended for the use of the ancient and honourable society of Free and Accepted Masons, is also calculated to explain the nature and design of the Masonic Institution, to those who may be desirous of becoming acquainted with its principles, whether for the purpose of initiation into the society, or merely for the gratification of their curiosity. The observations upon the first three degrees are many of them taken from Preston's " ILLUSTRATIONS OF MASONRY," with some necessary alterations. Mr. Preston's distribution of the first lecture into six, the second into four, and the third into twelve sections, not being agreeable to the mode of working in America, they are differently arranged in this work. It is presumed that all regular Lodges, and Royal Arch Chapters, will find it a useful assistant and MONITOR; inasmuch as it contains most of the Charges, Prayers, and Scripture Passages, made use of at our meetings, and which are not otherwise to be found, without recourse to several volumes. This often occasions much delay in the recitals, produces many irregularities in their distribution, and sometimes causes important omissions. The whole are here digested and arranged in such order, through the several degrees, from the Entered Apprentice to the Royal Arch Mason, that they may be easily understood; and, by a due attention to their several divisions, the mode of working, as well in arrangement as matter, will become universally the same. This desirable object will add much to the happiness and satisfaction of all good Masons, and redound to the honour of the whole fraternity. CONTENTS PAGE On the Management of the Craft in Working Laws for the Government of the Lodge Charge on the Behaviour of Masons out of VII. Pre-requisites for a Candidate Form of a Petition to be presented by a Can- Declaration to be assented to by a Candidate, 38 |